[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 232 (Friday, December 5, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56249-56253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22012]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[Docket No. FHWA-2025-0367]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
a Proposed Highway Project; Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation (USDOT).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: FHWA, in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of 
Transportation (WisDOT), is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to 
solicit comment and advise the public, agencies, and stakeholders that 
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to study 
potential improvements to Interstate 794 (I-794) in Milwaukee County, 
Wisconsin. The study corridor includes approximately 1.5 miles of I-
794, including a service interchange referred to as the Lake 
Interchange, and extends generally from the I-794 and I-43/I-94 system 
interchange (Marquette Interchange) to the Daniel W. Hoan Bridge. The 
Study is not considering changes to the main span of the Daniel W. Hoan 
Bridge and will not impact the core function of the Marquette 
Interchange.

DATES: Comments on this NOI and the Supporting Information Documents 
must be received on or before January 5, 2026.

ADDRESSES: This NOI and the Supporting Information Documents are 
available in the docket referenced above at https://www.regulations.gov/ and on the study website located at https://www.794lakeinterchange.wisconsindot.gov/. The NOI Supporting 
Information Documents also will be provided in hard copy upon request. 
Interested parties are invited to submit comments by any of the 
following methods:
    Website: For access to the documents, go to the Federal Rulemaking 
Portal located at https://www.regulations.gov/ or follow the online 
instructions on the Public Involvement page for submitting comments at 
https://www.794lakeinterchange.wisconsindot.gov/.
    Mailing address or for hand delivery or courier: Federal Highway 
Administration Wisconsin Division, 525 Junction Road, Suite 8000, 
Madison, WI 53717.
    Email address: [email protected]
    All submissions should include the agency name and the docket 
number that appears in the heading of this notice. All comments 
received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov/, 
including any personal information provided. A summary of the comments 
received will be included in the Draft EIS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    FHWA: Bethaney Bacher-Gresock, Environmental Specialist, Federal 
Highway Administration--Wisconsin Division, 525 Junction Road, Suite 
8000, Madison, WI 53717; email: [email protected]; 608-
662-2119.
    WisDOT: David Pittman, PE, Project Manager, Wisconsin Department of 
Transportation, 141 NW Barstow St, Waukesha, WI 53188, 
[email protected], 262-548-5601.
    Persons interested in receiving study information can join the 
study contact list available from the study website located at https://www.794lakeinterchange.wisconsindot.gov/. Follow the online 
instructions to join the study contact list to receive updates.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FHWA, as the lead Federal agency, and WisDOT 
as joint lead agency, are preparing an EIS to evaluate transportation 
solutions for the Lake Interchange on I-794 in the city of Milwaukee, 
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The EIS will be prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), 23 U.S.C. 139, FHWA 
regulations implementing NEPA (23 CFR 771), and applicable Federal, 
State, and local laws and regulations.
    FHWA and WisDOT are committed to public involvement for this study. 
FHWA and WisDOT also request comments and suggestions on the 
identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any 
kind concerning impacts to the quality of the human and natural 
environment. All public comments received in response to this NOI will 
be considered and potential revisions made to the information presented 
herein as appropriate.

[[Page 56250]]

Preliminary Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

    The purpose of the project is to address deteriorating 
infrastructure in a manner that improves safety and operations within 
the study corridor, while also striving to enhance community 
connectivity and compatibility with local plans and development. The 
Study is driven by the following project needs:
     Bridge conditions. There are 55 bridges throughout the 
study corridor, 28 of the 35 original bridges constructed in the 1970s 
and 1980s are continuous concrete bridges that are approaching the end 
of their service life.
     Substandard roadway design and geometric features. Several 
areas of the existing facility do not meet current roadway design 
standards including horizontal and vertical curvature, superelevation, 
cross section (i.e. shoulder widths), horizontal sightline offsets, and 
vertical clearances.
     Safety conditions. Safety concerns along the study 
corridor are related to substandard roadway design, confusing 
intersection configurations, and occasional congestion during peak 
periods and special events. The crash rate on the mainline in the study 
corridor exceeds the four-lane freeway statewide average crash rate.
     Traffic operations. Peak hour operations along the freeway 
in 2050 are projected to operate at or above Level of Service (LOS) D, 
meeting WisDOT acceptable criteria. Seven existing (2022) I-794 ramps/
surface street intersections have complex configurations resulting in 
an unacceptable LOS E or F. By 2050, nine intersections are expected to 
operate at LOS E or F.
     System linkages. I-794 is part of the National Highway 
System (NHS), the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), and connects 
directly to I-43 and I-94 at the Marquette Interchange. I-794 is part 
of the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) and serves as a WisDOT 
Oversize-Overweight (OS/OW) truck route and a long truck route. I-794 
also connects to Milwaukee's Intermodal Station with Amtrak and 
Greyhound intercity bus services, the Lake Express Ferry terminal, and 
General Mitchell International Airport.
     Discontinuous bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The 
study corridor includes several gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle 
network along local streets which increases opportunity for conflicts 
between vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
     Land use and community compatibility. The elevated I-794 
creates a concrete canopy over the local street system and various land 
use types adjacent to and under the freeway within Milwaukee's densely 
developed downtown area. Opportunities to enhance existing uses in the 
study area and opportunities for possible new development, activation 
of spaces, improved bicycle/pedestrian accommodations, or additional 
green or recreational spaces will be considered through alternative 
development and evaluation.
    Additional detail on the preliminary purpose and need is included 
in the NOI's supplemental information documents. The purpose and need 
may be revised based on consideration of public and agency comments 
received during the comment period for this NOI and during the 
development of the Draft EIS.

Preliminary Description of Alternatives the Environmental Impact 
Statement Will Consider

    FHWA and WisDOT are developing a range of alternatives for detailed 
study in the Draft EIS. The No Build alternative and several build 
alternatives will be considered. Capacity expansion is not anticipated.
    The No Build alternative assumes no major rehabilitation 
improvements to or replacement of the 28 bridges and other structures 
nearing the end of their useful life would be undertaken. Only routine 
maintenance and repairs would be completed to maintain the safety of 
the traveling public. At some point, maintenance repairs would no 
longer be cost effective, and the deteriorating structural conditions 
could result in restrictions on vehicle weights or the closure of I-794 
due to poor bridge conditions.
    The Replace in Kind alternative would reconstruct the freeway and 
all existing service ramps in generally the same configuration. The 28 
bridges that are nearing the end of their service life would be 
replaced. Some outdated design features would be addressed by the 
alternative including improvements to shoulder widths, stopping sight 
distances and superelevation. Substandard elements related to 
horizontal and vertical curvature and vertical clearance would remain. 
There may be potential for geometric improvements at select 
intersections as well as bicycle and pedestrian improvements at spot 
locations.
    The Freeway Improvement alternative with left-hand ramps at 
Jackson/Van Buren would reconstruct I-794 and the Lake Interchange as 
an elevated four-lane freeway facility. The mainline would be 
reconstructed along a slightly modified alignment to enhance safety by 
improving substandard design features including shoulder widths, 
horizontal curvature, stopping sight distances, superelevation, and 
vertical clearance. The proposed alignment would shift the freeway 
structures slightly south while maintaining a gap between the eastbound 
and westbound mainlines.
    Access to and from the west would be provided at Jackson Street and 
Van Buren Street. These ramps would be placed on the inside of the 
mainlines with left-hand service ramps similar to the current 
configuration. Northbound and southbound freeway access would remain at 
Lincoln Memorial Drive with new right-hand service ramp configurations 
that are shifted south to a new intersection at an extended St. Paul 
Avenue. The existing Broadway, Milwaukee Street, and two Lakefront 
ramps would be eliminated under this alternative.
    New surface street connections and modifications would be required 
to accommodate the consolidation of freeway access within the Lake 
Interchange. New street connections include a bidirectional Clybourn 
Street from Plankinton Avenue to Lincoln Memorial Drive, a St. Paul 
Avenue extension to Lincoln Memorial Drive, and a ``Cass Street'' 
extension from Clybourn Street to Harbor Drive. A new unnamed surface 
street would connect the Jackson Street and Van Buren Street service 
ramps with Lincoln Memorial Drive. The surface street network 
improvements could provide new and improved pedestrian and bicycle 
accommodations on the surface street network.
    The proposed Freeway Improvement alternative with right-hand ramps 
at Jackson/Van Buren would reconstruct I-794 and the Lake Interchange 
as an elevated four-lane freeway facility. The freeway mainline would 
be reconstructed along a slightly modified alignment to enhance safety 
by improving substandard design features including shoulder widths, 
horizontal curvature, stopping sight distances, superelevation, and 
vertical clearance. The proposed alignment would shift the freeway 
structures south and generally close the gap between the eastbound and 
westbound mainlines.
    Access to and from the west would be provided at Jackson Street and 
Van Buren Street. These ramps would be placed on the outside of the 
mainlines with service ramps on the right-hand side of the freeway. 
Northbound and southbound access to I-794 would remain at Lincoln 
Memorial Drive with right-hand service ramp configurations that are 
shifted south to a new

[[Page 56251]]

intersection at St. Paul Avenue. The Broadway, Milwaukee Street, and 
the two Lakefront ramps would be eliminated under this alternative. The 
surface street network changes and the proposed bicycle and pedestrian 
accommodations for this alternative would be the same as the Freeway 
Improvement alternative with left-hand ramps at Jackson/Van Buren 
described above.
    The proposed Freeway Removal alternative would remove the elevated 
I-794 between the Marquette Interchange and the Daniel W. Hoan Bridge. 
The alternative would replace the existing I-794 bridges with a new 
boulevard on Clybourn Street between 6th Street and Lincoln Memorial 
Drive. The new infrastructure would no longer be a federal Interstate, 
necessitating changes in roadway ownership, jurisdiction, and related 
administrative policies. The Freeway Removal alternative would not 
change the core function of the Marquette Interchange and would retain 
the main span of the Daniel W. Hoan Bridge. The removal of I-794 is 
expected to divert traffic to the remaining interstate system and 
surface street network adjacent to the study corridor and throughout 
Milwaukee County.
    Regional freeway access would be on the west side of the study 
corridor at the Marquette Interchange. Eastbound and westbound freeway 
access would be from a new ramp connecting I-94 to Clybourn Street at 
6th Street. Southbound and northbound freeway access would be from 
reconfigured I-43 and I-43/94 ramps that connect mid-block at 2nd 
Street. On the east side of the study corridor, reconfigured ramps from 
the Daniel W. Hoan Bridge would connect to a newly created intersection 
at Lincoln Memorial Drive near Buffalo Street.
    The proposed Freeway Removal alternative would include new surface 
street connections and roadway modifications to disperse traffic 
throughout the surface street network. New connections include a 
divided bidirectional Clybourn Street from 6th Street to Lincoln 
Memorial Drive, a St. Paul Avenue extension to Lincoln Memorial Drive, 
and a ``Cass Street'' extension from Clybourn Street to Harbor Drive. A 
new moveable Clybourn Street bridge over the Milwaukee River would be 
required to accommodate the new roadway cross section and to maintain 
navigability on the river. The new ramp connection from I-94 would 
require the expansion of the Clybourn and 6th Street intersection and 
the closure of James Lovell Street at Clybourn Street. Vel R. Phillips 
Avenue would be reconstructed to accommodate the relocation of the 
sidetrack for The Hop Operations and Maintenance Facility. Second 
Street and Plankinton Avenue would be reconstructed, and a connecting 
road would be built between the two streets to facilitate freeway ramp 
access to and from I-43 at the surface street network. This would 
eliminate the 3rd Street connection between Clybourn Street and St. 
Paul Avenue. The surface street network improvements could provide new 
and improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on the surface 
street network.
    Alternatives may be revised based on the consideration of public 
and agency comments. The range of reasonable alternatives will be 
finalized after consideration of comments received during the comment 
period on this notice and will be documented in the Draft EIS.

Summary of Expected Impacts

    FHWA and WisDOT will seek input from the public and agencies during 
the EIS development process regarding the impacts of the project. The 
EIS will evaluate the reasonably foreseeable (beneficial or adverse) 
social, economic, and environmental impacts resulting from the 
implementation of the No Build, Replace in Kind, Freeway Improvement, 
and Freeway Removal alternatives as well as avoidance and mitigation 
measures for unavoidable adverse effects. WisDOT identified preliminary 
impacts in the supporting information documents for the NOI.
    The following key resources and issues have been identified for 
evaluation in the EIS and supporting technical studies:
     Right of Way Acquisitions and Relocations: The Study's 
build alternatives are expected to acquire little to no new permanent 
right of way. Therefore, no business, institutional, or residential 
relocations are expected. Temporary construction easements may be 
required under each build alternative. During the environmental review 
phase, each alternative will be evaluated further for right of way 
needs and/or potential surplus properties.
     Community Resources: The No Build alternative could, over 
time, negatively impact the neighborhoods, community facilities, and 
residences adjacent to the study corridor as infrastructure would 
continue to deteriorate and access to these resources could be impacted 
if I-794 was closed due to poor bridge conditions.
    The Replace in Kind alternative would not directly impact the 
neighborhoods, community facilities, and residences adjacent to the 
study corridor and it would retain existing freeway access and travel 
routes to community resources. It would also retain the regional 
freeway system connection to communities north and south of the study 
corridor in Milwaukee County. This alternative would not address public 
concerns related to the compatibility of I-794 infrastructure with 
adjacent neighborhoods, or bicycle and pedestrian connectivity within 
an improved surface street network.
    The Freeway Improvement alternatives would improve community 
connectivity between adjacent neighborhoods by expanding the surface 
street grid and providing new pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. 
Consolidated service ramps would provide convenient freeway access to 
adjacent neighborhoods, community facilities, and residences. The 
elimination of five-leg intersections would encourage slower speeds and 
simplify interactions between vehicular and non-vehicular traffic. The 
Freeway Improvement alternatives also maintain I-794 linkages to the 
regional freeway system for downtown neighborhoods and Milwaukee County 
communities to the south and north.
    The Freeway Removal alternative would establish a visual connection 
between downtown neighborhoods and improve neighborhood connectivity by 
expanding the surface street network and providing new pedestrian and 
bicycle accommodations. Freeway access would be consolidated at the 
west side of the study corridor resulting in changes to travel routes 
to and from neighborhoods, community facilities, and residences and 
increased utilization of the street grid. An expanded street grid would 
provide new route options for people to reach destinations, but travel 
along signal-controlled streets may increase travel times for some 
trips. The Freeway Removal alternative would not maintain the I-794 
regional freeway system connection to communities to the south and 
north in Milwaukee County and would result in greater use of I-43 and 
other arterials from traffic diversion in Milwaukee County.
     Business and Economic: The No Build alternative could, 
over time, negatively impact businesses and business districts adjacent 
to the study corridor by not maintaining infrastructure in a state of 
good repair, impacting the movement of people and goods that rely on I-
794 for connectivity to the regional freeway system.
    The Replace in Kind alternative would continue to provide existing

[[Page 56252]]

levels of freeway access and connectivity for vehicles and trucks that 
utilize the regional freeway system to access downtown, Port Milwaukee, 
and the business areas in communities to the north and south in 
Milwaukee County. However, this alternative would not provide 
opportunities to improve connectivity between business districts in the 
downtown area as no new streets and/or bicycle and pedestrian 
accommodations would be provided. The continued presence of the I-794 
infrastructure, similar to the existing configuration, would not expand 
potential economic activity in the study corridor.
    The Freeway Improvement alternatives would continue to facilitate 
the movement of goods and people along I-794 to access downtown, Port 
of Milwaukee, and business areas in Milwaukee County communities to the 
south and north. The consolidated ramps would maintain freeway access 
to adjacent businesses and business districts. Once off the freeway, 
some routes to businesses may change slightly but new street 
connections and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations would overall 
improve connectivity to major employment areas in downtown, businesses 
in the Historic Third Ward, and the many tourist and entertainment 
destinations in the area. The potential surplus property associated 
with these alternatives could create opportunities for additional 
economic activity in the study corridor.
    The Freeway Removal alternative would not maintain interstate 
designation through the corridor. This could impact the movement of 
goods and people along this corridor and vehicles and trucks utilizing 
the regional freeway system to access downtown, Port Milwaukee, and 
business areas in Milwaukee County communities to the south and north. 
The Freeway Removal alternative would change freeway access for 
businesses and business districts in the area and may increase travel 
times for some trips in the downtown area. Since there would be no 
fixed bridge route over the Milwaukee River, travel times to 
destinations and special events in the downtown and Lakefront areas 
could be impacted when the movable bridges are operating.
    The Freeway Removal alternative could improve connectivity between 
business districts in downtown and the Historic Third Ward by expanding 
the surface street grid and providing improved bicycle and pedestrian 
accommodations. Eliminating the elevated freeway infrastructure to the 
east of the river could provide the most potential surplus property 
which could create opportunities for additional economic activity in 
the study corridor.
     Land Use: The No Build and Replace in Kind alternatives 
would retain the existing 2.7-acre vacant state-owned parcel in the 
southwest quadrant of the Lincoln Memorial Drive and Clybourn Street 
intersection for possible future development. No new surplus property 
would become available.
    The Freeway Improvement alternatives would reduce the footprint of 
the freeway and may result in surplus property that is no longer needed 
for highway-related transportation purposes, creating opportunities for 
potential new development. The Freeway Improvement alternatives may 
provide up to 6 or 7 acres of surplus property that meets minimum 
development standards. Acres are subject to change.
    The Freeway Removal alternative would remove much of the elevated 
freeway infrastructure in the study corridor which may result in 
surplus property that is no longer needed for highway-related 
transportation purposes, creating opportunities for potential new 
development. The Freeway Removal alternative may provide up to 16 acres 
of surplus property that meets minimum development standards. Acres are 
subject to change.
     Section 106: In accordance with Section 106 of the 
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and NEPA, effects to historic 
properties will be evaluated in consultation with the Wisconsin State 
Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Native American Tribes, and other 
consulting parties for all build alternatives. Historic sites within 
and near the study corridor include two historic districts, the 
Historic Third Ward District and the East Side Commercial Historic 
District, and four properties listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places: the John Pritzlaff Hardware Co., Wisconsin Leather 
Co., Public Service Building, and the Gimbels Parking Pavilion. A 
review of archaeological literature confirmed the study area has been 
previously disturbed and nine previously identified sites are within 
the study area. Other potential resources may be present within and in 
the vicinity of the study corridor, but not yet inventoried in the 
databases.
     Section 4(f) Properties: The build alternatives may affect 
publicly owned parks and recreational areas, and public and private 
historical sites listed or eligible for listing on the National 
Register of Historic Places that are subject to protection under 
Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (Section 
4(f)). Section 4(f) protected public parks and recreational areas 
within and near the study corridor include the Milwaukee Riverwalk, 
Hank Aaron State Trail, and Oak Leaf Trail. Historic sites within and 
near the study corridor include two historic districts and four 
historic properties (named above). Potential uses of Section 4(f) 
properties will be evaluated, avoided, or minimized during development 
of the EIS and the Section 4(f) evaluation.
     Waterways: The build alternatives may result in the 
construction of a new bridge, the reconstruction or modification of an 
existing bridge, construction of a temporary bridge, or no changes to 
existing bridges across navigable waters of the U.S. under the 
jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Freeway Improvement 
alternative with right-hand ramps at Jackson/Van Buren may require 
reconstruction of the westbound I-794 bridge over the Milwaukee River. 
The Freeway Removal alternative may require removal of I-794 bridges 
over the Milwaukee River and reconstruction and widening of the 
moveable Clybourn Street bridge over the Milwaukee River. If the I-794 
bridges over the Milwaukee River are removed, the steam facility 
infrastructure at the Milwaukee River may need to be reconstructed or 
relocated. Construction of bridges and facilities over the river must 
meet navigational clearance requirements as the Milwaukee River is a 
commercially navigable Water of the U.S.
     Floodplains: The Freeway Improvement alternative with 
right-hand ramps at Jackson/Van Buren and Freeway Removal alternative 
could impact bridges over the Milwaukee River. Proposed bridge work may 
alter bridge abutments and/or piers in the Milwaukee River, which may 
impact the floodway. Measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate flood 
risks to the floodplain will be taken.
     Threatened and Endangered Species: Federal- and state-
listed species may occur in the study corridor. FHWA and WisDOT will 
determine effects through alternatives refinement, United States Fish 
and Wildlife (USFWS) Section 7 consultation, and coordination with the 
WDNR under the WisDOT/WDNR Cooperative Agreement.
     Noise: Noise sensitive receptors, including residences, 
parks, schools, and churches are present throughout the study corridor. 
FHWA and WisDOT will identify impacts during the development of the 
EIS.
     Construction: The build alternatives would have temporary 
construction

[[Page 56253]]

impacts related to public safety, construction noise and dust, and 
inconveniences related to traffic detours and congestion during 
construction.
    Supplemental information on the purpose and need statement, 
alternatives, and potential project environmental impacts is provided 
within the NOI supporting information documents available for review in 
the docket established for this Study and on the study website as noted 
in the ADDRESSES section. FHWA and WisDOT are inviting public input 
during the NOI comment period. The identification of impacts for 
analysis in the Draft EIS may be revised due to the consideration of 
public comments.

Anticipated Permits and Other Authorizations

    Permits and authorizations anticipated for the project include a 
Section 401 water quality certification and a Section 404 permit under 
the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Section 9 and Section 10 permits 
under the Rivers and Harbors Act are also anticipated. FHWA and WisDOT 
will prepare evaluations under Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act of 1966 
(23 U.S.C. 138 and 49 U.S.C. 303) and Section 6(f) of the Land and 
Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (54 U.S.C. 200302), perform 
consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 
Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101-307108) concurrently with the NEPA 
environmental review process, and will consult with USFWS in accordance 
with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). FHWA and WisDOT will also work with Cooperating Agencies and 
Participating Agencies to determine if additional permits or 
authorizations are required under these or other authorities.

Schedule for the Decision-Making Process

    After this NOI is issued, WisDOT will coordinate with the 
Cooperating and Participating Agencies to develop study documentation 
and the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS is anticipated to be issued in October 
2026. The combined Final EIS and Record of Decision is anticipated to 
be issued in May 2027. Per 23 U.S.C. 139(d)(10), permits and 
authorizations should be completed by no later than 90 days after the 
issuance of the Record of Decision. However, for this project WisDOT 
has requested in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 139(d)(10)(C)(ii) that the 
404 permit and 401 water quality certification follow a different 
timeline because the construction date is not expected until 2030 or 
later.

Description of Agency and Public Review and Scoping Process

    Prior to the initiation of the EIS, WisDOT hosted a series of 
public meetings for the Study. The first public meetings were held on 
August 1 and 2, 2023, to provide an opportunity for the public to learn 
about the I-794 study process, draft purpose and need, and preliminary 
design concepts. A subsequent public meeting on May 29, 2025, presented 
the four build alternatives described above. WisDOT held the last 
public meetings prior to the initiation of the EIS on November 4 and 5, 
2025, to present preliminary evaluation criteria and traffic analysis 
results to the public. FHWA and WisDOT hosted an early agency 
introductory meeting with potential Cooperating and Participating 
Agencies on August 21, 2025, to brief agencies on the anticipated NEPA 
milestone schedule, the Study's purpose and need, and alternatives 
anticipated to be evaluated during the NEPA process. The public and 
agency scoping process is continuing with the publication of this NOI.
    Meetings with the public and Cooperating and Participating Agencies 
will be held throughout the environmental review process. The draft 
Coordination Plan for Agency and Public Involvement included within the 
supporting information documents for the NOI describes how the public 
and agencies will continue to be engaged during EIS development. The 
Draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment 
prior to the Public Hearing.

Request for Comments on the Identification of Potential Alternatives, 
Information, and Analyses Relevant to the Proposed Action

    The supporting information documents for the NOI include the 
preliminary purpose and need statement, preliminary range of 
alternatives, draft Impact Analysis Methodology Report, and the draft 
Coordination Plan for Agency and Public Involvement, including the NEPA 
milestones and permit schedules. With this notice, FHWA and WisDOT 
request and encourage State, tribal, and local agencies, and the public 
to review the NOI and the supporting information and submit comments on 
any aspect of the Study. Specifically, agencies and the public are 
asked to identify and submit potential alternatives for consideration 
and any information, such as anticipated significant issues or 
environmental impacts and analyses relevant to the proposed study for 
consideration by the Lead, Cooperating, and Participating Agencies in 
developing the Draft EIS. Any information presented herein, including 
the purpose and need, alternatives, and anticipated impacts may be 
revised after consideration of the comments. Comments may be submitted 
according to the instructions in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. 
Comments must be received by January 5, 2026.
    Any questions concerning this proposed action, including comments 
relevant to alternatives, information, and analyses, should be directed 
to FHWA or WisDOT at the physical addresses, email addresses, or phone 
numbers provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this 
notice.
    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; 23 U.S.C. 139; 23 CFR part 771.

Linda Swann,
Acting Division Administrator, FHWA Wisconsin Division, Madison, 
Wisconsin.
[FR Doc. 2025-22012 Filed 12-4-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-RY-P